John Lunford 'Sparky' Matthews

CHESAPEAKE - John Lunford "Sparky" Matthews, 72, of the 4300 block of Shorewood Drive, Chesapeake, Va., died Friday, Jan. 16, 2004, in his residence. He was a native of Fayetteville, N.C.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served during the Korean War. He retired as an E-7 from the Virginia Army National Guard. He was a member of the Hampton Moose Lodge #1514.

He is survived by two daughters, Betty Wood of Godwin, N.C., and Cindy Whitehead of Delco, N.C.; two sons, Johnny Matthews of Massena, N.Y., and Herky Matthews of Chesapeake, Va.; two sisters, Viola Phillips of Riegelwood, N.C., and Florence Deppin of Hartfield, Va.; one brother, Dick Matthews of Whiteville, N.C.; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A service of remembrance with military honors will be held at 7 p.m. Monday evening at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Boulevard Chapel. Burial will be in Cross Creek Cemetery, Fayetteville, N.C. Following the service of remembrance, the family will receive friends until 9 p.m. and will be at the home at all other times.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Bon Secours Hospice, 3636 High St., Portsmouth, VA 23707.